Diplomatic Desk:
Arif Zaman, Executive Director of the Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network, paid a courtesy call on Shama Obaid Islam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, on Monday (October 5, 2026).
The meeting focused on strategies to attract foreign investment ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled to be held in Antigua and Barbuda in November 2026.
Discussions highlighted various aspects of projecting Bangladesh as an attractive investment destination for international investors. Particular emphasis was placed on the aspiration to establish Bangladesh as a key global manufacturing hub by ensuring policy continuity and stability.
Discussions also covered strengthening Bangladesh’s agricultural and rural business sectors, creating opportunities for sustainable investment in the blue economy, and exploring potential investment areas in renewable energy and the circular economy.
Views were also exchanged regarding the Commonwealth Women’s Forum, which is set to take place alongside the upcoming CHOGM. They discussed ways to effectively utilize this forum to enhance the capacity of women entrepreneurs and fully unlock their potential.
